Body found in Snow Hill ID'd as missing woman Christine Sheddy

Human remains found in downtown Snow Hill have been identified by authorities as missing woman Christine Marie Sheddy.

Worcester County State's Attorney Joel Todd said in a statement Friday that the state medical examiner's office made the identification using dental records. No cause of death has been determined. Todd declined to comment when asked about possible suspects or pending charges.

"All involved law enforcement agencies are treating this as a suspicious death," he said.

Sheddy, of Frederica, Del., went missing November 14, 2007. The 26-year-old single mother had last been seen at a Pocomoke City-area residence, authorities said. A month later, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation issued a warrant for Sheddy's arrest on charges of child abandonment.

The Worcester County Sheriff's Office and WCBI have been working on the case, with assistance from State Police and the State's Attorney's office. Since her disappearance, some area residents orchestrated their own searches as well, combing the Pocomoke area on foot.

An investigation led police Feb. 19 to the grounds of the River House Inn, a bed and breakfast in downtown Snow Hill, where they unearthed the skeletal remains. Todd said the inn owners were not connected with the missing woman. He declined to explain just what led police to the site.

Sheddy's daughter, 10, and two sons, ages 5 and 6, are currently in the care her mother, Lynn Dodenhoff.

Dodenhoff referred questions to Sean Henady of 3View Search Services, a nonprofit search and rescue foundation acting as a family liaison. Henady said Dodenhoff plans to make a public statement soon.

He said Sheddy's mother is "exhausted," but appreciates the thoughts and prayers of the community.

"This has been a very tough time for the family, understandably," he said. "Lynn right now is actually going through a lot of relief. She is pleased to finally have the answers and know her daughter is coming home. The family knows that the legal process is just starting, and they will be patient through that process to know that justice will be served."

VIA: DelmarvaNow.com